Question for you watch(timepiece) folks

[robphelan]

I've always thought that although technically automatics don't keep time as well as quartz watches, they are more desirable because of the intricate mechanical movements.

From there, my thoughts led me to think that if I were to buy a quartz watch, why would I spend several hundred, to several thousand, on one when I could buy a nice automatic for that price & have the cache that comes with it? And, what would be the internal difference between a $60 quartz watch & a $2k quartz watch?

 

[robphelan]

bump

 

[Uppsala9496]

I'm assuming the internal difference in pieces would be the materials used. Plastic versus none, etc. Oh and i am sure certain brands charge a lot more just because they can.

 

[NutBucket]

Well, lets put it this way. You're not buying a high price watch for a more precise movement per se.

Put it this way, you're really not gaining a whole lot by buying a Swiss vs a Japanese quartz movement. Its like buying a German car vs. a Japanese car really. What you gain is prestige, heritage and design. This is why most people advise against buying a really high end quartz watch. You are correct that automatic is definitely desirable feature that is worth paying for; like the sweeping second hand found in most Rolex watches.

That said, I do own a quartz Tag and I bought my fiancee one as well. They are purely luxury items that are no more functional than a Casio or Citizen.

However, my next watch will definitely be an automatic. Not so easy for a lady's watch since its harder to package a smaller automatic movement.

And you also reminded me I should take it my watch to get it serviced.

 

[RKS]

I don't buy for the accuracy, I buy it because I am a dash-stroking name whore.

edit: My wife I had matching Tag watches and mine has been through hell and never missed a beat. It is down at time because I had it ripped off my wrist while playing football. I lost the end pin and now the entire strap needs to be replaced and it goes for $300.

 

[yllus]

I don't buy for the accuracy, I buy it because I am a dash-stroking name whore.

Same. The Omega I'm wearing daily keeps terrible time. I just like how it looks and how it lets me namedrop. Omega. Omega. Omega.

 

[SphinxnihpS]

I would say people don't buy Tags for looks either.

Quartz is quartz, so the frequency is the same in Japan or Switzerland. The software that counts the frequency oscillation could be be better or worse I suppose. There is no real difference in the mechanism itself. I also suppose watch makers will say different.

I would never purchase a watch more expensive than a decent Raymond Weil or similar brand. Past a grand they are all equally impressive in construction.

 

[robphelan]

i currently have a 2006 gold & black Rolex Submariner & absolutely love it.

however, lately i've been feeling like I want a little variety.. so, i was thinking about buying this longines flagship automatic. For the price, i could probably swing a gently used quartz Omega.. but i prefer autos

http://imgur.com/09SeK.jpg

http://imgur.com/WUKQb.jpg

 

[EngenZerO]

thats why i wont personally a buy quartz...

i love my omega bond smp chrono and omega planet ocean... great automatic watches...

however, i do give my two quartz watches wrist time... a casio riseman gshock (my beater) and movado bold (both gifts from the fiancee)

my next watch will be a panerai... but thats gonna be a manual watch, lol.